October Events in Golden Gate Park

There’s nothing spooky about the events going on at Golden Gate Park in the month of October – except for zombies roaming around the California Academy of Sciences and a free Halloween movie showing at the Park Chalet. In the beginning of the month, you’ll have to juggle between bluegrass and vegetables, and maybe you’ll even find time to participate in restoring some of the park’s natural gems.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – October 1 & 2

The second and third day of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival jumpstarts the month of October in Golden Gate Park. Stretched across Speedway, Lindley and Marx Meadows, the sounds of Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and countless more will fill the air. Don’t worry about having a ticket in your hand – this is a free event. For more information, check out the performer schedule.

World Veg Festival – October 1 & 2

Fun for all ages, you should come enjoy guest speakers, cooking demos, international vegetarian cuisine, free food samples, music, and other exhibits at the 12th annual World Veg Festival. Held at the San Francisco County Fair Building, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A minimum donation of $8 is expected, but there is free admission if you are a senior over 65, child under 12, student with ID, or come between 10 and 10:30 a.m. Exhibits close at 5 p.m. For more details, contact (415) 273-5481 or www.sfvs.org.

Upper Haight Farmers’ Market – October 5

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Stanyan and Waller Streets will offer fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers at the Upper Haight’s Famers’ Market.

Golden Gate Park Restoration Projects – October 8 & 12

Calling all volunteers! If you’d like to contribute to the beauty of Golden Gate Park, consider lending a hand with one of the restoration projects taking place this month. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on October 8, take a moment to help restore the native Oak Woodlands at the park. The contact for this event is Robert Bakewell ([email protected]).

You may also choose to participate in the Strawberry Hill Butterfly and Trail Project on October 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested parties should meet at Stow Lake Boat House.

Wear closed toed shoes, long pants and layers for both October 8th events, which will take place rain or shine. Light refreshments will be provided. It’s important to arrive on time to receive proper orientation and view demonstrations.

On October 12, join others for the Rhododendron Dell Volunteer Project from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to maintain the dell, such as removing weeds. You will find the Rhododendron Dell on John F. Kennedy Drive on the left – just past the Conservatory of Flowers.

Miles for Migraine – October 9

The 4th Annual Miles for Migraine 5K / 10K Run / 2 Mile Walk will take place on Sunday, October 9 at 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 55 Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park. The race starts at 9 a.m. This fundraiser for awareness, treatment and research saw more than 200 participants pre-register for the race in 2010, which yielded a $10,000 donation to the University of California Headache Center. Registration for this year can take place online. For more details, call (510) 384-7403 or visit www.milesformigraine.org. Free Chamber Music Day – October 16

de Young Museum will host their annual Chamber Music Day (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with a collection of crossover and classical pieces that are sure to entertain. The entire day will offer more than 30 professional ensemble performances throughout the museum grounds. Some of the performers to look forward to include Alexander String Quartet, Bella Trio, Marcus Shelby Quintet, Real Vocal String Quartet, sfSound, Del Sol String Quartet , and Voice of Music. While this event is free, it does not include admission to rest of the museum.

Zombie Nightlife – October 27

The California Academy of Sciences is hosting an adults-only pre-Halloween event called “Zombie NightLife” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Participants will enjoy zombie neuroscience, zombie makeovers, and be entertained by the Zombie Drag Show and Costume Contest – emceed by Peaches Christ. Expect music and other goodies. The cost to enjoy this event is $12.
Park Chalet JAMband Family Festival – October 30

Come enjoy the outdoor scenery, take in the music, and dine on tasty food at the JAMband Family Festival held at the end of this month. Concerts are held throughout the year, where families come to the JAMband events (held at the Park Chalet in Golden Gate Park) to relax, unwind and mingle with others. This will be the last festival of 2011.

Halloween Movie at Park Chalet – October 31

The Park Chalet is hosting a special Halloween showing of “The Shining” at 9 p.m. as part of their free movie night program. Only adults 18 and older may partake in the festivities. Movie night also offers Happy Hour drinks and appetizers. There is no cover to enjoy this event.

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Golden Gate Park Is..

the third most visited park in the United States. While the park is free to visit during the day, popular attractions charge admission, such as deYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers. The park is filled with gardens, museums, art, flowers, trees, lakes, birds and wildlife. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in sports, clubs and other activities. Browse the site for information on parking, maps, weddings, hotels, permits, making reservations, transportation, contact numbers, and the history of Golden Gate Park.